Suspected ICE agents descended on Washington Heights early Wednesday morning, according to video, and detained a man for reasons that remain unknown.
Although it is unclear exactly what time the arrest occurred, Councilman Shaun Abreu reported that it took place at West 157th Street and Broadway early on November 12, when federal agents exited a black SUV and restrained the pedestrian.
A video shared by Abreu’s office shows a man being forced into an unmarked vehicle, in front of stunned and frightened witnesses, including a small child.
“Show your faces!” the crowd can be heard yelling at the officers, some of whom had their faces covered, as they pushed the man into the car.
Our sister publication, amNewYork, was able to confirm that at least one of the officers seen in this latest incident also participated in the now infamous October 21 raid on Canal Street, where street vendors were chased.
“This video, where you see someone being pulled from the street in front of our neighbors, is deeply disturbing,” Abreu said. “ICE and other federal agencies that are carrying out Trump’s agenda of detaining people without due process have no place in our city. I condemn this despicable pattern of intimidation, and my office is working to learn more about the events of this morning. Please remain vigilant and take care of each other.”
City Comptroller Brad Lander, who has been critical of ICE operations for months, told amNewYork on Wednesday that he believes this could mark the start of more street raids by the agency.
The officers’ continued use of masks also raises questions about the legality of this arrest and others like it, he said.
“We are starting to see more cases here, like what is already happening in Chicago, Los Angeles and other places,” Lander said. “How can you know, by watching that video, if it was a legitimate arrest and in accordance with the law – although we do not support it – carried out by real federal agents, or if it is about people in disguise carrying out kidnappings without any legal basis?”
